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James R. Doty

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Into the Magic Shop: A neurosurgeon's true story of the life-changing magic of mindfulness and compassion that inspired the hit K-pop band BTS Kindle Edition

by James R. Doty (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

8,068 ratings

#1 Best Seller in Surgery

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The award-winning New York Times bestseller that inspired BTS's K-pop song 'Magic Shop'.

The day that 12-year-old James Doty walked in to his local magic shop is the day that changed his life.

Once the neglected son of an alcoholic father and a mother with chronic depression, he has gone on to become a leading neurosurgeon, based at Stanford University. He credits Ruth for this incredible turnaround: the remarkable woman he met at the Cactus Rabbit Magic Shop, who devoted the summer to transforming his mind and opening his heart.

In this uplifting memoir, Jim explains the visualisation techniques Ruth taught him that gave him the self-esteem to imagine a new future for himself. He examines the science behind mindfulness and why the skills he learned - of focus and attention - now help him to think fast and keep calm in the operating theatre. And he shows us what is possible when you start to change your brain and your heart. Into the Magic Shopimparts some powerful life lessons about how to live better, and inspires us to believe that we all have inside us the capacity to change our own destiny.

'I'm sure many readers will be moved by this inspiring story to open their hearts and see what they too can do for others' - His Holiness the Dalai Lama

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Review

"Into the Magic Shop is pure magic! That a child from humble beginnings could become a professor of neurosurgery and the founder of a center that studies compassion and altruism at a major university, as well as an entrepreneur and philanthropist is extraordinary enough. But it is Doty's ability to describe his journey so lyrically, and then his willingness to share his methods that make this book a gem."
—Abraham Verghese, MD, Author of Cutting for Stone

"This book tells the remarkable story of a neurosurgeon's quest to unravel the mystery of the link between our brains and our hearts. From the moment in his childhood when a simple act of kindness changed the course of his own life to his founding a center to study compassion at Stanford University. Jim Doty's life illustrates how each of us can make a difference. We can make the world a more compassionate place. I’m sure many readers will be moved by this inspiring story to open their hearts and see what they too can do for others."
—His Holiness the Dalai Lama

“Into the Magic Shop offers a gripping, well-told journey into the mysteries of the human mind and brain. Neurosurgeon James Doty has written a heartwarming tale of courage and compassion."
—Daniel Goleman, Ph.D., author of Emotional Intelligence

"Into the Magic Shop is a captivating journey of discovery. Neurosurgeon Jim Doty's well-told personal story illuminates for us all the power of insight and empathy to transform our lives and enhance our world. Read it and you too may find magic in the mystery and majesty of the mind to bring health and healing to our individual and collective lives.
—Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.,Author of Mindsight

“Part memoir, part scientific exploration, Into the Magic Shop is a powerful work of emotion and discovery, showing that we all have within us our own small magic shop, a place of calm and beauty we can return to whenever we need it. As James Doty compellingly shows, we simply have to open the door, and let ourselves in.”
—Arianna Huffington, author of Thrive

“A moving memoir on the power of compassion and kindness. Neurosurgeon James Doty shares his inspiring story of growing up with seemingly insurmountable challenges, receiving a gift that changed his life, achieving remarkable success but then losing it all, and discovering that the mind is shaped as much by the heart as the brain.”
—Adam Grant, PhD, author of Give and Take

"A powerful, eloquent, deeply spiritual and exquisitely beautiful book. Real magic!"
—Dean Ornish, M.D., author of The Spectrum

“This is one of the most compelling and inspiring books I have ever read. We’re with Jim at each step, as he struggles with poverty and trauma, becomes a world-class brain surgeon, gains and loses a fortune, and learns deep lessons about the magic in each person’s heart. Gripping, profound, extraordinary.”
—Rick Hanson, Ph.D., author of Hardwiring Happiness

"Dr. Doty’s powerful book, Into the Magic Shop, is a testament to how faith and compassion extend beyond religion, race and nationality and can help an individual overcome adversity and personal limitations. It is an inspiration."
—Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation

“Into the Magic Shop will literally rewire your brain. A candid and personal story about a life transformed by a chance encounter in a magic shop. It is a truly optimistic and inspirational testament to the power of compassion and the ability to overcome adversity and discover your true potential.”
—Glenn Beck, nationally syndicated radio host and founder of The Blaze

"An optimistic and engagingly well-told life story that incorporates scientific investigation into its altruistic message."
—Kirkus Reviews

From the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

James R. Doty, M.D.,is a professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University and the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE), where he researches the neuroscience of compassion and altruism. He is also a philanthropist funding health clinics throughout the world and has endowed scholarships and chairs at multiple universities. He serves on the board of a number of nonprofits, including the Charter for Compassion International and the Dalai Lama Foundation.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The day I noticed my thumb was missing began like any other day the summer before I started eighth grade. I spent my days riding my bicycle around town, even though sometimes it was so hot the metal on my handlebars felt like a stove top. I could always taste the dust in my mouth—gritty and weedy like the rabbit brush and cacti that battled the desert sun and heat to survive. My family had little money, and I was often hungry. I didn’t like being hungry. I didn’t like being poor.

Lancaster’s greatest claim to fame was Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier at nearby Edwards Air Force Base some twenty years earlier. All day long planes would fly overhead, training pilots and testing aircraft. I wondered what it would be like to be Chuck Yeager flying the Bell X-1 at Mach 1, accomplishing what no human had ever done before. How small and desolate Lancaster must have looked to him from forty five thousand feet up going faster than anyone ever thought possible. It seemed small and desolate to me, and my feet were only a foot above the ground as I pedaled around on my bike.

I had noticed my thumb missing that morning. I kept a wooden box under my bed that had all my most prized possessions. A small notebook that held my doodles, some secret poetry, and random crazy facts I had learned—like twenty banks are robbed every day in the world, snails can sleep for three years, and it’s illegal to give a monkey a cigarette in Indiana. The box also held a worn copy of Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, dog-eared on the pages that listed the six ways to get people to like you. I could recite the six things from memory.

1. Become genuinely interested in other people.
2. Smile.
3. Remember that a person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
4. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
5. Talk in terms of the other person’s interest.
6. Make the other person feel important—and do it sincerely.

I tried to do all of these things when I talked to anyone, but I always smiled with my mouth closed because when I was younger I had fallen and hit my upper lip on our coffee table, knocking out my front baby tooth. Because of that fall my front tooth grew in crooked and was discolored a dark brown. My parents didn’t have the money to get it fixed. I was embarrassed to smile and show my discolored crooked tooth, so I tried to keep my mouth closed at all times.

Besides the book, my wooden box also had all my magic tricks—a pack of marked cards, some gimmicked coins that I could change from nickels into dimes, and my most prized possession: a plastic thumb tip that could hide a silk scarf or a cigarette. That book and my magic tricks were very important to me—gifts from my father. I had spent hours and hours practicing with that thumb tip. Learning how to hold my hands so it wouldn’t be obvious and how to smoothly stuff the scarf or a cigarette inside it so that it would appear to magically disappear. I was able to fool my friends and our neighbors in the apartment complex. But today the thumb was missing.
Gone. Vanished. And I wasn’t too happy about it.

My brother, as usual, wasn’t home, but I figured maybe he had taken it or at least might know where it was. I didn’t know where he went every day, but I decided to get on my bike and go looking for him. That thumb tip was my most prized possession. Without it I was nothing. I needed my thumb back.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0151PQ99E
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Yellow Kite
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 11 Feb. 2016
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 216 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1444786200
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Best Sellers Rank: 25,056 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- 1 in Surgery (Books)
- 2 in Mental Illness
- 2 in Family & Lifestyle Surgery
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8,068 ratings

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James R. Doty

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James R. Doty, M.D. is an Adjunct Professor and the Founder & Director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University School of Medicine, of which the Dalai Lama is the founding benefactor. As the Director of CCARE, he has spearheaded research projects on compassion and altruism, and their relationship to the brain. He is also an inventor, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

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Customers find this memoir a moving account of the author's life journey, describing it as a must-read for every human being. The book is eloquently written from the heart, with a fascinating life story that takes readers on a journey. Customers appreciate the author's honest approach to sharing deeply personal insights, and one customer notes how it relates to the real world. They value the book's focus on compassion and power of kindness, with one review highlighting the author's natural gift for helping others.

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Inspirational story Readability Story quality Writing style Compassion Information quality Authenticity

107 customers mention ‘Inspirational story’107 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's story moving and life-changing, describing it as a wry and enlightening account of a life journey.

"...a true step by step instruction guide for manifesting but also an inspiring, compelling true story." Read more

"Life changing, poignant and gripping tale. This book was an inspiration. Thank you so much St Doty for writing it" Read more

"...His journey teaches him about life, love and the true power of opening your heart...." Read more

"Excellent book. Inspiring and captivating, a must read. As a psychologist I found it intriguing and so fascinating...." Read more

97 customers mention ‘Readability’97 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, describing it as a must-read for every human being.

"Amazing and totally enthralling story about Dr James Doty life and the ‘magic’ lessons he learned..." Read more

"...A must read..." Read more

"...Overall, a good read." Read more

"This is a beautiful book, really enjoyed authors journey...." Read more

37 customers mention ‘Story quality’37 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's story compelling and engaging, describing it as a fascinating journey from rags to riches.

"Enjoyed this true story ." Read more

"Interesting, but it didn't deserve the hype, and it took the author a long time to make his point" Read more

"...How his life journey pans out is fascinating, mistakes and all, to get to where he is today...." Read more

"...step instruction guide for manifesting but also an inspiring, compelling true story." Read more

35 customers mention ‘Writing style’35 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as eloquent and written from the heart, with one customer noting how the author captures readers from the first page.

"Fabulous book. Easy to read. Have recommended to many" Read more

"...A short book but written from the heart." Read more

"...Beautifully written, honest and touching, I'm sure it's going to change my life. Thank you Jim, thank you Ruth" Read more

"An amazing and heartfelt read. A great story coupled with how you can incorporate the skills into your everyday life...." Read more

22 customers mention ‘Compassion’22 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's compassionate approach, highlighting its power of kindness and emotional depth, with one customer noting the author's natural gift for helping others.

"...I wish everyone would read it. The compassion, wisdom, humility, life lessons and information makes this a MAGICAL read!" Read more

"...to myself as i was reading, it just resonated with me so much, about kindness and humility, and caring for others, we are all on our own path, and..." Read more

"...James obviously has a natural gift for helping others and his encounters with Ruth in the magic shop were meant to be ...." Read more

"This book tells an amazing life story. It describes a beautiful, generous woman who saw a scared boy and taught him such valuable life lessons...." Read more

14 customers mention ‘Information quality’14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative, with one customer noting it relates to the real world, while another appreciates the author's willingness to share deeply personal insights.

"Highly recommend this book if you want to read a personal development book with a personal story...." Read more

"...The compassion, wisdom, humility, life lessons and information makes this a MAGICAL read!" Read more

"...This book takes you on a journey through the life of a remarkable man...." Read more

"...Apart from this important message James Doty is so generous in sharing deeply personal insights and personal details...." Read more

12 customers mention ‘Authenticity’11 positive1 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty and authenticity.

"...Beautifully written, honest and touching, I'm sure it's going to change my life. Thank you Jim, thank you Ruth" Read more

"...This is written with such heart and sincerity that I am sure that you will be touched by it...." Read more

"...He tells his life story with such honesty and love that I found myself reading the book in two sessions...." Read more

"...It teaches us the real and authentic qualities that underpin happiness...." Read more

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Anne Chambers
True inspiration for us all - wonderfully written and compelling reading....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 February 2020
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I don't know why I chose this book on my Kindle to read, I usually read scientific and nutrition books to try to lead a healthy life and guide family and friends to make better choices for their health. Wanting a break from that sort of reading I suppose, and having read other books by neurosurgeons which had fascinated me, the title of this book intruiged me.
Fascinated by the journey about to unfold, I began reading......I was gripped by the start, and could not stop reading. James obviously has a natural gift for helping others and his encounters with Ruth in the magic shop were meant to be . How his life journey pans out is fascinating, mistakes and all, to get to where he is today. I now feel I want to find out all I can about this remarkable man, and I will. Makes us all look at ourselves and consider whether we could do better for others. Read it - I was blown away! Thank you so much James for writing your life story.

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10 people found this helpful

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Aggrey
awesome message -open your heart and mind !
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 March 2025
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Amazing and totally enthralling story about Dr James Doty life and the ‘magic’ lessons he learned
Which all started by him walking into a magic as a young lad and meeting the amazing lady Ruth.

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mrs la
Not everything we want, is what we need
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 January 2025
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This is a beautiful book, really enjoyed authors journey. We all chase money and external things hoping it will make us happy and yet finding ourselves more lonelier then ever. I absolutely loved the message. What does the heart really need? This book embraces concepts of mindfulness and visualisation.

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3 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer
Absolutely worth a read-great story & a great message
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 June 2021
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Highly recommend this book if you want to read a personal development book with a personal story. A great perspective on the power & opportunity available to us all.

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One person found this helpful

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Kathiea
Listen To Your Heart
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 October 2024
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This book tells an amazing life story. It describes a beautiful, generous woman who saw a scared boy and taught him such valuable life lessons. Now he teaches us these valuable lessons so we can enhance our lives by opening our hearts 💕

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2 people found this helpful

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Rc
Amazing!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 May 2024
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One of the best book I have ever read! Not only a true step by step instruction guide for manifesting but also an inspiring, compelling true story.

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9 people found this helpful

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AP.
Magical!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 July 2024
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This is one of the most wonderful books I have ever read! I wish everyone would read it.
The compassion, wisdom, humility, life lessons and information makes this a MAGICAL read!

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4 people found this helpful

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NorthbyNorthWest
Made a bad reader finish a book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 March 2025
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This is quite a compelling book and is one I actually finished, which for a serial unfinisher of books is a big achievement. I felt a strong connection to Doty's struggle from underprivileged / working class background to success very inspiring. In the world we live in at the moment high status opportunities are starting to fall back to a privileged few.

But this is only part of the book’s theme. Its major theme is the 'magic' learned from the central character in Doty's childhood who imparts a series of techniques and life lessons which help him on his very determined mission to become a neurosurgeon.

I have read books on manifestation and mindfulness before but Doty frames it in such a way that it doesn't come across as some woo woo fancifulness. He brings another element to this and it's something he had to learn about himself as he goes through his life and career.

He has quite a determined character and seems very focused on what he wants to achieve. There were certain chapters where I did ponder if he might be on the Autism spectrum and maybe the Magic Shop ideology neatly masked that aspect of himself in a more relatable way.

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ENDER ERGİNYUREK
FİZİKSEL DURUM
Reviewed in Turkey on 7 February 2022
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KAPAĞINDA YIRTIK VARDI VE TOZ İÇİNDEYDİ

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Kelly
It is inspiring
Reviewed in the Netherlands on 17 January 2025
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A very well written book that is engaging, inspiring and gives hope about manifestation. I finished reading this book in less than 24 hours, which is quite a feat for someone who hasn't finished a book for a while; my library is filled with unfinished books :|

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LovelyL
Easy to read and so relevant to life!
Reviewed in Canada on 29 November 2024
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I actually purchased this book back in 2018 and forgot about it. When his new book 'Mind Magic' was released I had bought it and found he had written this previous book. I look on my shelf and there it was! I started to read it and could not put it down. I cried and was touched by the stories and messages in the book. I am forever changed. I get that reading this now for me was right on time. I would recommend this book to everyone who is interested in creating a beautiful heartfelt and meaningful life.

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DIANNE D
Inspiring
Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on 11 January 2021
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Very easy to read and understand. The concept is amazing.

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Angelo Russo
Un bel manuale, una biografia toccante.
Reviewed in Italy on 17 February 2025
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Spinto da una intervista ascoltata in un podcast, ho letto con piacere questo libro che racconta la vita dell'autore sotto un punto di vista innovativo e straordinario. Inoltre, fornisce utili consiglio su come influenzare in modo positivo la nostra mente, e tenerla a "bada" da pensieri negativi. Come lo stesso autore racconta, ciò che pensiamo non è la realtà, ma ciò che il "Dj della nostra mente" vuole farci credere, e spesso, questi pensieri sono tutt'altro che positivi. Allenare la mente a non divagare ma a razionalizzare i pensieri, tenendo a basa quelli negativi, è un ottimo metodo per cominciare a vivere meglio.

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Into the Magic Shop: A neurosurgeon's true story of the life-changing magic of mindfulness and compassion that inspired the hit K-pop band BTS Kindle Edition

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Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

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1.0 out of 5 stars FİZİKSEL DURUM

5.0 out of 5 stars It is inspiring

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read and so relevant to life!

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring

5.0 out of 5 stars Un bel manuale, una biografia toccante.

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FİZİKSEL DURUM

It is inspiring

Easy to read and so relevant to life!

Inspiring

Un bel manuale, una biografia toccante.